Our practice follows the recommendations of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP).
Our physicians discuss the risks and benefits of each recommended vaccine. This website is updated in the News section with new vaccines required by Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, as well as those encouraged by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Our website also serves as communication to our families on the timely delivery and availability of annual flu shots. The delivery of flu vaccine is in September at the earliest. Any revised recommendation for annual influenza vaccines will be noted in our website News section, as well.
Immunizations Update:
Flu shots for all ages have arrived! We will be having flu shot clinics to help with efficiency on Monday, Thursday, and Friday mornings. However, your child can be scheduled to receive their flu vaccine at other times as well. Call today to set up your appointment! As a bonus, patients can register for our weekly t-shirt drawing (new design!).
Flu Shots- Flu immunization is recommended for children 6 months-18 years old. It is also recommended specifically for those with specific risk factors, including heart, kidney, metabolic (diabetes) and lung (asthma) diseases, or who have anemia or blood disorders, HIV/AIDS, long-term steroid use and cancer therapy with radiation or drugs. Anyone in close contact with people at risk should also receive this immunization. Students living in dormitories and others wishing to decrease their risk may consider this immunization. This vaccine is not given to patients with a history of egg allergy. Children under 9 years of age receiving their first seasonal flu shot need to receive 2 immunizations one month apart. Flu vaccines for children 3 years and older have arrived for the 2010 season. Please call our office for an appointment.
Chickenpox- A second immunization of Varivax at 5 years old is now required by Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. All students over 5 years old who have not had chickenpox will be required to have this 2nd "catch up" vaccination.
Hepatitis A- This immunization is a 2-dose series recommended for children at 12 months and 18 months of age. Any child over this age is eligible to "catch up" on this immunization.
Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)- This immunization is a 3-dose series given within a 6-month period. This vaccine protects against strains of HPV, a sexually transmitted disease that can lead to cervical cancer in women and to disfiguring and painful warts in men. Adolescent girls and boys 11 years old and up are eligible for this protection. Recommended for both girls and boys.
Tdap is recommended for moms, dads, grandparents, and caretakers. Infants are not fully protected until completing their primary series and booster at 4 years old. A nuisance cough could go untreated and be Pertussis (whooping cough), so this booster for adults surrounding newborns through preschoolers is recommended.
Menactra booster is now recommended before college.
SouthPark Pediatrics, PA Reserved patient and general visitor parking. 4601 Park Road, Suite 100, Charlotte, NC 28209 (704)522-6656 Email: info@southparkpediatrics.net